Playing to Win: Risking It, #2

By Autumn Reed

On New Year's Eve, I broke all of my rules by betting on a relationship with Cole, Shane, and Nicholas.

 

Now that the shine of that magical night has dimmed, I'm beginning to question my judgment. I should be focused on my final semester of college instead of fixating on the three sexiest men I've ever met.

 

But when Cole's estranged brother unexpectedly arrives in Vegas, what has been a pleasurable distraction suddenly feels real. Between acting as peacemaker, meeting Nicholas's aristocratic family, and falling under Shane's spell, I'm more invested in my boyfriends than ever.

 

If only I could trust that they view our unconventional relationship as more than a game. Maybe then I'd feel comfortable revealing it to the world.

 

When Nicholas, Cole, and Shane prove that they're playing to win, one question remains—am I willing to risk it all for love?

 

 

*Playing to Win is the second book in the Risking It trilogy, a reverse harem romance.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Autumn Reed
• Release date: Nov 17, 2017
• ISBN: 9781386431992

Autumn Reed

Autumn is a lifelong bookworm with a penchant for sarcasm. She loves cloudy days, fluffy dogs, and murdering succulents. When she isn't bringing daydreams to life on the page, she can be found behind the lens of a digital camera or binge-watching Veronica Mars. To read more about Autumn Reed, visit www.autumnreed.com.

Book preview

Chapter One

Shane wrapped an arm around my waist, then checked his watch. Which one of us gets to kiss you at midnight?

Cole stepped forward until he was standing close enough to do just that. The candlelight reflected in his dark eyes, making them flash gold. Since I was the first to accept Emma’s proposition, I vote me.

But you were the last one to get alone time with her, Nicholas argued, so you should go to the back of the line.

Shane squeezed my hip. Based on that logic, I’m first.

Though their competitive natures were on full display, I couldn’t wipe the delighted smile from my face. Nor did I want to. Having three gorgeous men fighting, good-naturedly, over who got to kiss me first was inching up on my favorite moments list.

Cole groaned, but amusement flickered in his dark eyes. Fine, but only twenty seconds each so we can all get in on the first minute of the new year.

Deal, Shane said as the muffled sounds of the ten-second countdown drifted outside.

Nine . . . eight . . . 

Nicholas held up his own watch and gave Shane a pointed look. I’m keeping track.

Five . . . four . . . 

Shane cradled my head in his hands and gave me the warmest smile I’d ever seen from him. Better make this good, then.

Two . . . one . . . 

Without hesitation, he melded his lips to mine, and the shouts of celebration faded as his fingers left a trail of sparks along the sensitive skin of my neck.

It seemed like no time had passed when Shane abruptly pulled away and I found Nicholas standing in his place. Caught off guard, I gripped his waist to keep my balance and shivered when his hot breath brushed my ear. We’ve got this, Cinderella. I wondered at his meaning, but then he kissed me, and all thoughts of hidden messages disappeared.

When Nicholas stepped back, I was prepared for a full-on assault from Cole. Instead, he wrapped his strong arms around my waist and spun me in circles. I clung to his neck and laughed until he set me down and placed a quick, sweet kiss on my lips.

Emma!

I jerked my head up so fast, sharp pain shot through my neck. Ouch, I grumbled while throwing a nasty look at Simone. Did you have to shout?

She planted her hands on her hips. Maybe if you had responded one of the three times I tried to get your attention at a normal volume, I wouldn’t have resorted to shouting.

Embarrassed, I looked around the small office I shared with several other people at the newspaper and relaxed when I saw only empty desks. I could handle being caught daydreaming by Simone; by anyone else, not so much.

Which scene were you replaying in your mind this time? Shane in your childhood bed? Cole on your couch? Nicholas, well, anywhere? Damn, that man is hot.

When I stared at her instead of answering, she said, Or maybe you’ve skipped right to fantasizing about all three. I know I have.

Simone! I flicked a paperclip at her, and it hit her in the stomach. Those are my boyfriends you’re talking about.

She picked up my mug of paperclips and held it out of reach. True, and if you were only dating one of them, I would at least try to keep my imagination under control. But, come on, Em! Your love life is juicier than all the heroines combined in those scandalous novels my mom keeps hidden under her bed. What do you expect?

Fine, I huffed, but that doesn’t mean I need to hear about whatever is going on in that dirty little mind of yours. And, if you must know, my thoughts were drifting back to New Year’s Eve. At midnight.

Oooh, that’s a good one, she said with a wink.

Starting to seriously regret telling Simone practically everything that had happened between me and the Ts (also known as the triple triple threats), I glanced at the clock. Almost one o’clock. Sheesh. I’d been in the office for over an hour and hadn’t even made a dent in the article I was editing.

Deciding it was a lost cause for now, I shut my laptop. Have you eaten? I can’t keep talking about this without lunch and caffeine.

Nope, let’s go.

After packing up my things, Simone looped her arm through mine and proceeded to tell me all about her smexy philosophy professor. I interrupted to point out that she could easily say smart and sexy rather than combining the two into a ridiculous non-word, which only got me an eye roll. Big surprise.

By the time we reached our favorite café, she’d almost convinced me to drop an elective and add philosophy to my schedule. Not that I needed another distractingly attractive man in my life. I had more than enough of those already. Seriously, how had I drifted off to Shane, Cole, and Nicholas dreamland in the middle of the newspaper office? Of course, New Year’s Eve was the best night of my life . . .

Emma! Simone snapped her fingers in front of my face and gave me the look.

And I’m doing it again. Great. Just great.

Sorry, sorry! Let’s get in line.

Once we picked up our food and found an open table, I racked my brain for a topic that would divert Simone’s attention away from my boyfriends. It was a hopeless cause; she wasn’t exactly going to forget I was dating three men anytime soon.

So, have you seen any of them? Simone’s tone was accusing more than questioning, and I stared down at my coffee mug to avoid her gaze.

Not yet.

Cole, Shane, and Nicholas had left right after New Year’s to go skiing in Colorado and only arrived home a few days ago. Although they invited me to go along, since we had just defined our relationship, it didn’t seem like the right time to take such a dramatic step. My idea or no, figuring out how to be in a relationship with all three of them was enough of a challenge. Going away with them for a week? I was so not ready for that.

Unfortunately, that meant I’d had plenty of time alone in my apartment to think, which was never a good thing. Instead of getting ahead in my coursework, I’d spent hours imagining gorgeous, tall snow bunnies following them around. How could I compete? There was only one of me and so, so many other girls. Prettier, more experienced girls.

Please don’t tell me you’re still avoiding the Ts.

I’m not avoiding them. I’ve been busy. It’s not my fault they came home right when classes were starting.

Defensive much?

I crossed my arms over my chest, ready to deny it, but before the words left my lips, I decided Simone was right. I’d been making excuses the last few days to get out of seeing them. Sure, I’d been busier than normal, but I could have easily made time to at least say hello. They’d been practically blowing up my phone with requests to stop by or take me out.

Relaxing my posture, I took a sip of my caramel mocha, then sighed in resignation. Fine, I’ve been avoiding them.

Clearly, she said with her best I told you so expression. Now, do you want to explain why you didn’t jump into their arms the minute they landed?

I don’t know. I mean, I do know . . . I just don’t like my answer.

There’s nothing wrong with being scared, Emma.

Is it that obvious?

More like expected. You did this incredibly brave thing on New Year’s Eve. You followed your heart, took a giant risk, and it totally paid off. But now you’re coming down off that high and doubting yourself. It’s natural. Just don’t let yourself get sucked into a cycle of doubt. You need to keep being brave if you have any hope of surviving this relationship.

Damn, she’s good. Have I ever mentioned how annoyingly wise you are?

I’m a psychology major for a reason, my friend.

True. Simone wasn’t merely a pretty face with a curvy body and confident personality. Behind all that sass was a remarkably intelligent and deep person and a great friend.

And don’t forget about my very popular advice column.

Like I could. Between Simone’s brash sense of humor and genuinely helpful advice, her column was understandably a favorite amongst the student body. It was how we became friends in the first place, and I was one of the few privy to the real identity of Dear Snarky.

So, now that we’ve diagnosed your problem, what are we going to do about it?

I lifted a brow. We? Are you joining the ‘torrid foursome’? I asked, quoting Xavier, a waiter at the club and one of Cole’s closest friends. Because that would definitely change the dynamics, and we’d need a new name.

Simone burst out laughing. "Torrid foursome. We have to start hanging out with Xavier. I’m already in love with him. And hell yes to joining the fun! Think of how much more time you would have to study if I took over some of your girlfriend duties." She shot me a teasing grin, but I had no doubt she would be more than happy to accept if I was, indeed, offering.

While you’re mulling that over, what are you going to do to fix things?

I shrugged. I don’t know. I guess I’ll make plans to see them.

Her voice thick with sarcasm, Simone replied, Please, tone down your excitement. It’s too much for me to handle.

Okay, smartass. What do you suggest?

I suggest you begin realizing that every unattached girl in this city, nay, this country, would give her left tit to be in your position. And most attached girls too. Start acting like it.

Why is it always the left one? Personally, I think it goes to society’s blatant discrimination against people who are left-handed. Scissors, notebooks, kitchen utensils—

Simone threw up her hands in exasperation. Don’t start going off about left-handed discrimination again. No one cares, and you’re not even a southpaw!

Ten percent of the population cares!

Stop changing the subject!

Suddenly realizing our voices had risen to an embarrassing level, I glanced around and found more than one table of patrons staring at us. Awesome.

Nothing to see here, folks, Simone proclaimed with a winning smile while I hid my face behind my hands. Never a dull moment.

After we finished our meals in companionable silence, I checked my phone for messages and found one new text.

Shane: My dearest evasive Emma, I’m coming over to your place with dinner. 6:30. No arguments.

I couldn’t stop the grin spreading across my face, and for the first time in days, my insecurities fled.

Emma: Fine, steamroller Shane. No arguments.

Must have been quite the text message, Simone said knowingly.

I have a date tonight.

It’s about freaking time! Call me after with the details.

Um, no. I’ve learned my lesson. You’re only getting generalizations from now on.

Simone’s mouth turned down in a pout. Please tell me you’re joking. You can’t cut me off now!

Can’t I?

Chapter Two

I shoved a pile of dirty clothes in the closet, then scanned my bedroom for anything out of place. Not that I expected Shane to spend time in there, but he would have to walk through it to get to my bathroom. And he might insist on a tour, I thought with a derisive laugh and a twinge of self-consciousness. My entire apartment could be viewed after taking a few steps in the door. The spacious townhouse he shared with Cole and Nicholas looked like a mansion in comparison.

Why am I so concerned about what Shane thinks? It didn’t bother me when Cole came over. Because I knew he didn’t come from money like Shane and Nicholas?

A knock at the door jarred me from my wandering thoughts, and I hurried over to the mirror to make sure my hair still looked presentable. After smoothing a few wayward strands, I strode to the door and took a deep breath before opening it wide.

When I caught my first glimpse of Shane, I had to lean against the door to keep from swaying. In a crisp, white button-down shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows and tucked into fitted black trousers, he was somehow sexier than I remembered. His mouth was pleasantly turned up at the edges, tempting me to give him a reason to smile for real.

You gonna let me in? he asked with a little too much twinkle in his blue-gray eyes.

I jumped back out of his way and ducked my head to hide the flush that was undoubtedly tinting my cheeks. I needed to get my act together, and fast. Where was the confident Emma who flirted with strangers at Loft25? Who dated and then confronted them in spectacular fashion? And where was the Emma who threw all caution to the wind and asked three frustratingly enticing men for a relationship so daring that most people would label it deviant? That Emma desperately needed to make a freaking appearance.

After closing the door, I followed Shane into the kitchen, where he was already unpacking takeout from familiar containers.

You got Mario’s?

Is that okay? Cole told me it’s your favorite. My hearted melted a little at his statement. If they cared enough to discuss my restaurant preferences, maybe I hadn’t already been replaced by snow bunnies after all.

More than okay. I grabbed plates from the cabinet and set them on the counter in front of him.

Prosciutto and arugula pizza or rigatoni Bolognese?

I loved the pizza but had never tried the Bolognese. How about a little bit of both?

Good choice. I’ll have the same.

Once we were seated around my tiny, two-person table, I picked at my food and struggled to find something to say. The silence stretched on until Shane leaned over and gave me a peck on the lips.

Relax, Emma. It’s only dinner.

This time, all the color drained from my face instead of rushing to my cheeks. Was it that obvious I was completely out of my depth? Clearly, my internal pep talk came too late.

Sorry. I paused, trying to find a way to explain how I was feeling. It’s just, I haven’t seen any of you since New Year’s Eve . . . My words got stuck in my throat. How could I come right out and say that I was terrified they’d changed their minds? And, deep down, I was even a little terrified they hadn’t?

Don’t apologize. I get it. How are classes going?

Relieved he let me off the hook and changed the subject, I jumped into a description of the classes I was taking and what I expected from the semester. By the time I stopped to take a breath, I realized that Shane had finished his food and was watching me with an amused expression on his face.

I quickly ate the rest of my pizza and gave him a sheepish grin. Sorry, I guess I got carried away.

He stood and cleared the table. Stop apologizing. I wouldn’t have asked if I didn’t want to know.

Except you were probably expecting a ‘my classes are fine’ response instead of a lengthy narrative on everything that happened my first few days, I retorted as I put the leftovers away. He’d purchased more than enough food for four people, so I would be eating well for the rest of the week.

Shane approached slowly until he had me backed up against the refrigerator, his hands resting on either side of my head. I happen to think it’s cute that you like school.

You do? I breathed, my senses overwhelmed by his nearness and spicy scent.

Mmhmm, he murmured as he began peppering kisses over my jaw. And I think it’s pretty damn cute that you spelled my name out of magnets on your refrigerator.

Instinctively, I moved my head away from him while keeping my body in front of the offensive letter magnets. Freaking Simone. She bought them for me last year, mostly to give her an excuse to make obscene words. I’d thought it was entertaining at the time. Now, not so much, especially since I’d spelled out Shane, Cole, and Nic, then moved the unused letters out of the way. At least they were painted gold instead of primary colors. If there was anything to be thankful for, that was it. Well, and the fact that I didn’t have a heart magnet.

I’m not sure what you’re talking about. I tried to subtly scatter the letters with my back, but I didn’t fool Shane if his full-blown smirk was anything to go by. Why had I thought it was so important to remove the bra and panties from the floor in my bedroom when I could have been checking the kitchen for way more embarrassing items?

Is that so? Maybe we should take a look so you can prove me wrong.

I pushed his chest, and it didn’t budge. Dang, he must work out a lot. Or, we could go into the living room. It’s much more comfortable. I batted my eyelashes, hoping I looked enticing.

"Who am I to stop you from getting comfortable?" His suggestive tone made my pulse spike, and I followed him like a puppy, my tongue lolling in anticipation.

Yet, in the back of my mind, I knew I should take things slower than I wanted. It was too easy to let lust take over when I was with any of the three. I needed to get to know each of them better and adjust to being in an actual relationship with them. The sex was something I was certainly looking forward to, but I didn’t want to jump into it too soon.

So, instead of cuddling up next to Shane like I’d intended, I sat at the other end of the couch and stretched my legs out. I dipped my toes under his thighs to keep them warm and clung to a pillow like a lifeline.

How was the powder the last couple of days? I’d texted with Shane and the others while they were gone, with a few FaceTime sessions thrown